From Father Al’s Pen
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
This week’s gospel passage carries with it the expectation of the late 1st Century as the early Christians awaited the triumphant return of the Christ (sometimes called the Second Coming or the Parousia). This is a familiar theme through the gospels and, in fact, across the gospels we can see that the communities were beginning to face the realization that the promised return was taking longer than they had expected. In the gospel of Mark, it is clear that the community expects the Parousia at any moment, while by the time of the writing of the gospel of Luke, 10 or 15 years later, we can see that the language has taken on an aspect of uncertainty about the timing – it could be sooner or it could be later (“It may be in the second watch he comes, or in the third…”).
What began to emerge was an attitude that if we don’t know when the Parousia will come, then we need to live “in anticipation” of it. We need to live as if the Parousia were imminent. So, rather than waiting for the kingdom of God to be delivered, we must live our lives in such a way as to bring about the kingdom; to draw the kingdom into the present. Jesus often spoke of the kingdom as both near and not yet. If we all live the values of the kingdom, by our very actions we bring the kingdom into being. This gives an incredible significance to the way we choose to live our lives. If we “invest” in the kingdom by living out the values of the kingdom and living in expectation of the Parousia, then that “investment” is its own reward.
Missionary Coop Appeal – I would like to thank Fr. Robert for offering his message last weekend. Thank you also for your generosity! And, thanks for Fr. allowing me to take a weekend off to relax!
School Days! – Yes, the summer has flown by and we are getting things ramped up over at the school! In fact next Sunday is our registration day. So, you will see many more cars in the parking lot as families come in for the new year orientation! As of now we have over 330 students Pre K through 8! The highest enrollment in many years!
Enjoy the last week of summer break!
Fr. Al
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“For where your treasure is, there is also will your heart be.” (Luke 12:34)
Jesus encourages us to build up our treasure in heaven. The world encourages us to build up our treasure in real estate, investments, and material goods. How much time are you investing in building up a wordly treasure? How much time are you investing in building up a heavenly treasure? To invest more in the things of heaven, you mush let go of some of the things in the world.
Other News to Use
Dive Deep Podcast: New Hope for Fulton Sheen’s Beatification After Couple Talks to Pope Leo – Why is there new hope for Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s Beatification after a Peoria couple talks with Pope Leo XIV about Sheen’s cause, which has a pause on it right now? What did the Holy Father say? Click HERE or search “Dive Deep” on all the major podcast platforms to listen and subscribe. Dive Deep is the podcast of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.
Help Those Who Need Food! – Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has launched its annual Summer Hunger campaign to support its Mobile Food Pantry Program. Serving rural communities across the 28-county diocese, the program provides year-round deliveries of meat, fresh produce, dairy and nonperishable items to those facing poverty. Every gift, big or small helps feed a neighbor in need. Donate today at cc.dio.org
Scout Religious Awards – Scouts interested in earning the Ad Altare Dei religious emblem for Scouts BSA Troop and Venturing Crew members are invited to contact the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting for details. Groups can be organized throughout the diocese. Visit dio.org/scouts for details about the Ad Altare Dei emblem and other awards and recognitions for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Girl Scouts, Venturing Crews and Sea Scout Ships.
One Day Marriage Enrichment Retreat – Attend A Worldwide Marriage Encounter experience that will enrich couples’ understanding of the spirituality of marriage and introduce them to a personal couple prayer they can continue at home. This one-day marriage enrichment retreat entitled, “God Chose You for Me,” is an experience designed to deepen the spiritual connection between married couples. Dates and locations for this special enrichment in 2025 include:
· Saturday, August 16 – Sacred Heart Parish in Valley Park, MO
· Saturday, September 20 – St. Nicholas Parish in O’Fallon, IL
This special one-day enrichment is sponsored by Worldwide Marriage Encounter. To register, click HERE.
Sacrosanctum Concilium Part 2
Join Fathers Brian Alford and Daniel McGrath as they continue their presentation on Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Vatican II document on the Sacred Liturgy. Mark your calendars for August 21, September 18 and October 23 for a continuation of discussion of the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World. On November 20 and December 11, they will cover the remaining documents of the Second Vatican Council. These will all be held at at the Cathedral Atrium.
St. Charbels’s First Class Relic and relics of other saints coming to Vandalia/Springfield in October – A First Class relic of St. Charbel Makhlouf, the miraculous Maronite priest, monk, and hermit from Lebanon, is coming to our diocese for the first time from his homeland – and Catholics across Illinois are invited to this rare spiritual encounter. The relic will be available for public veneration at two loactions: the Sanctuary fo the Sorrowful Mother in Vandialia on October 7-8 (Mass at 5 p.m., verneration from 4-8 p.m. both days) and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield on Sunday, October 19, following the 10 a.m. Mass. Additional relics of holy men and women – includign St. Padre pio, St. Carlo Acutis, three Fatima children, and a piece of the True Cross – will also be present. Come bring your intentions and experience the powerful intercession of the saints. No RSVP required. For more information, click HERE or email KeckVanessa7@gmail.com.
Men’s Leadership Summit taking place in Edwardsville October 18 Do you feel like just another guy in a pew? You are not alone. The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has invited John Edwards from Just a Guy in a Pew to host a Men’s Leadership Summit on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at St. Boniface Church in Edwardsville (110 N Buchanan St.) to bring single and married men together to support one another, get inspired by their faith, gain and enhance leadership skills, and discuss best practices for men’s industry. John is a dynamic, inspirational spiritual leader who has a powerful witness story from hard drug use to finding Christ in a radical way. To register click HERE. Cost: $30 – includes materials/food and drink. Deadline to register is October 1. Contact Gracie Ortiz, Director of Marriage and Family Life at gortiz@dio.org or call 217-321-1124 for questions.
Interested In Attending World Youth Day In Seoul, South Korea In 2027? Connect with us! The diocese is organizing a group to go – Are you interested in attending World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea in 2027? Whether you want to go, you are thinking of going, or would just like more information about possibly going, connect with the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois to express your interest. Father Zach Samples, parochial vicar at St. Agnes Parish in Springfield, is the lead organizer for the pilgrimage for those who are thinking about attending World Youth Day, which is intended for those between the ages of 16 and 35. Go to dio.org/wyd and fill out the interest form. Note, the exact date of World Youth Day, the cost, and details have not been determined. This is simply an interest form so we can start to gather a group from our diocese now. You do not have to know for sure if you are planning to attend.
Majestic Germany Pilgrimage with Fr. R. Dean Probst
August 18-28, 2025. Visiting Frankfurt, Cologne, Hanover, Potsdam, Berlin, Nuremberg, Rothenberg, Munich, Oberammergau, Lindau, Lake Titisee, The Black Forest, Heidelberg and Mainz. Cost $4,599 per person from St. Louis, Mo. Call/text Fr. Dean 217-494-6326 or email rdprobst@gmail.com.
Caregiver Interfaith Volunteer Services
CIVS is a network of religious and community agencies that provides services to adults 60 and over who live independently. Volunteers provide transportation to medical appointments, shopping, and grocery shopping for persons no longer able to leave home.
To volunteer or to receive services call 217-757-6621 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital to find the help that you need. There is no charge for the services, however, donations are appreciated.
Mid-life Singles: Are you looking for a renewed sense of purpose & belonging? Register today for a life-changing REFLECT weeekend retreat at the Pallottien Renewal Center, Floristan, MO (30 minutes from downtown St. Louis), on August 15-17, 2025. Take a chance and get involved… you won’t regret it! Cost is $290 including meals. Visit www.RefelctRetreat.com, email reflect.stlouis@gmail.com, or call (630) 222-8303 for details.
Sacred Heart Chapel Tour scheduled in August
Enjoy an intimate look at the Dominican Sisters’ magnificent mid-century modern chapel. Join us for the next Sacred Heart Convent Chapel tour from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, August 17. Free admission but we do ask that people register for the event. For more information please call (217) 787-0481. Register for the event at https://springfielddop.org/event/tour-sacred-heart-convent-chapel/
Season of Creation Mass scheduled at Sacred Heart Convent
The public is welcome to open the 2025 Season of Creation by celebrating Mass with the Dominican Sisters at Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, 62704. Join them at 9:00 a.m., Monday, Septemeber 1. Plenty of off street parking, full accesible chapel.
Roman Catholics began observing September 1 as World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation in 2015, encouraged by Pope Francis, when he revealed his groundbreaking encyclical, Laudato Si’ On the Care of our Common Home.